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Arsenal’s Xhaka vows to come back ‘stronger’ after penalty miss

Granit Xhaka: Midfielder blazed penalty wide

Arsenal’s new signing Granit Xhaka has promised to become “stronger” after missing the decisive penalty in Switzerland’s loss to Poland.

After the round of 16 tie finished 1-1 after extra-time, Poland triumphed 5-4 on penalties after Xhaka blasted his spot-kick erratically wide.

The midfielder, who joined Arsenal in a £30million move from Borussia Monchengladbach earlier this summer, had impressed at the tournament, but apologised to the nation following his miss.

“I’m sorry for my team mates, for the travelling fans, for Switzerland,” he told Swiss television. “Anyone who knows me knows that I will make sure I come back even stronger.

“I took the penalty the way I always do. But I didn’t connect properly with the ball. I am still a young person, only 23. This just makes me stronger. And I promise I will step up at the next penalty shootout.”

Xhaka’s Switzerland teammate Breel Embolo, meanwhile, has left FC Basel to join Schalke, with the Bundesliga outfit taunting Arsenal and Manchester United in their announcement of the signing.